As previously reported, South Kesteven District Council has already begun its search to find a new operator for the six-screen cinema, which will be based on St Peter’s Hill.

The remainder of the complex will include up to four restaurants and is anticipated to open in the summer of 2018.

The idea behind the new complex is to start a regeneration of the town centre and to improve the night-time economy.

Director and Head of Office at Lambert Smith Hampton’s Lincoln office Sam Elkington said: “We have worked with the district council on this and a number of other projects over the last four years that we have held our Framework Contract with them.

“We have seen the hoops that they have gone through to bring the project forward and now anticipate that there will good demand for the scheme.”

Neil Cucksey of South Kesteven District Council who is heading up the project said: “We have to ensure that this is only the start of the regeneration of the centre of Grantham and that whilst the district council is carrying out this development we need to make sure it clearly sends out the message to other developers and occupiers that Grantham is open for more business.”

Sean Prigmore Director and Head of Retail and Leisure at Lambert Smith Hampton’s London office will be working closely with Sam Elkington and the Lincoln team. Sean said: “The leisure market is at a very interesting point in time.

“There has been a strong growth in the restaurant market over recent years. A cinema is a strong focal point for any town centre redevelopment and we feel confident that there will be good demand.

“The recent opening of the new Prezzo’s nearby is a clear example that the demand is there.”

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